Real Madrid News
Real Madrid’s opening offer for Bellingham could be €100 million-plus-add ons
Jude Bellingham is ever so close to sealing his dream move to Real Madrid. With personal terms agreed between the player and the Merengues, half the job is done.
However, the negotiation storm is inevitable in transactions that carry so much value. In Bellingham’s case, one always knew that it was only a matter of time before the clubs began their financial discussions, and such discrepancies in valuation showed up.
Fabrizio Romano provides a peek into what could potentially be the eye of the storm. According to the Italian journalist, Real Madrid’s opening offer for the English prodigy could be close to €100 million as a fixed fee with variables added. Thus, one could expect the total valuation of the package to be in the €120-130 million ballpark.
Borussia Dortmund, for their part, expect at least €150 million for their star. There is, thus, a significant gap between the valuation seen by both parties, but the difference is not unbridgeable.
It is unlikely that the Germans will accept the very first official offer that comes their way. However, Real Madrid and Dortmund hope to reach a final agreement and seal the transfer by the end of May, as revealed by Graeme Bailey.
Bellingham is seen as a long-term successor to Luka Modric at the club. While it is indeed impossible to replace the veteran, the Englishman shares a similar profile and is very effective in front of goal.
Alongside Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, Bellingham will secure the future of Real Madrid’s midfield for at least the next season.
Considering that the club could go after Kylian Mbappe next year, there appears to be a massive project cooking at Santiago Bernabeu.
Earlier this week, Real Madrid CEO Jose Angel Sanchez made the trip to Germany to discuss Bellingham’s transfer face-to-face. With both parties knowing well that the player wishes to move away, an agreement could be reached swiftly.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
